Sam Howell Reveals Support From Washington Commanders Teammates After Interception
Much had been made of the Washington Commanders’ quarterback situation heading into the season. Sam Howell deserved a shot at the starting job, with Washington holding playoff aspirations, adversity could have quickly turned the tide in backup Jacoby Brissett’s favor.
There have certainly been some ups and downs, as the Commanders sit a game under .500, having sold their starting edge rushers and waving a proverbial white flag at the trade deadline. But that call for Brissett hasn’t come.
This is Howell’s team, and Week 9 only served as proof.
Howell attempts a pass against the New England Patriots.
Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Down 14-10 with 23 seconds remaining in the first half, Howell led Washington to the New England Patriots’ five-yard line. On first-and-goal, he was intercepted by safety Kyle Dugger, shifting momentum and otherwise putting the Commanders at a significant disadvantage. The Patriots would receive the second-half kickoff.
In a moment that could have spiraled or increased tensions between a lame-duck coach, a backup quarterback, and a struggling starter, Howell found himself supported by his teammates. Head coach Ron Rivera put his arm around him, Brissett talked over the turnover, and a series of teammates provided encouragement.
Howell spoke about his frustrations being alleviated by those around him and how it impacted the second half.
“Yeah, obviously they know there’s not really a whole lot you can say after a play like that,” Howell said. “They just try to pick me up and I’m just so grateful to have so many good people around me here, whether it’s teammates, coaches and everyone’s just had my back throughout this whole entire journey.”
The environment a young quarterback attempts to flourish in is always going to have an impact, for better or worse. Knowing that everyone in the building is pulling for him is a confidence that some, perhaps elsewhere in the NFC, cannot enjoy.
It’s something that Howell acknowledged is relevant not only for the short-term growth that was needed in Week 9, but the long-term goals of being a franchise quarterback.
“I feel like that’s one of the main reasons I’m continuing to grow,” he added. “Just the support I’ve had since I’ve been here. Players on both sides of the ball, coaches on both sides of the ball.”
Against Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, who’s known for crossing the wires of young passers, Howell rebounded in the second half.
In the third quarter, he uncorked a beautiful deep pass to receiver Jahan Dotson for a game-tying score. He then led the eventual go-ahead field goal drive. The Commanders won, 20-17.
He finished the day completing 29-of-45 passes for 325 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. He added 27 yards on the ground and, impressively, was only sacked three times.
“You know, we were down at halftime, but we knew we were going to find a way to win the game,” Howell said. “So just having that support from everybody in the building has been awesome.”
The Commanders are back in action Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET.
